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There are few things that can make the Irish mouth water like the smell of slow-roasted beef and veggies. More specifically, the smell of corned beef and cabbage is one that, during the St. Patrick’s Day, can be found almost as free flowing as the taps of green beer and Guinness. A match truly made in heaven, the subtle spice and salt of the corned beef balances the bitter, yet sweet flavor of the cabbage, bringing that home-cooked quality to each plate. Typical corned beef and cabbage eaters will always say mom or grandma make it the best. Luckily, for those of us without Irish relatives, Denver offers many dining options for a true Irish experience.

Mona’s

Specializing in both filling breakfast and lunch dishes, Mona’s Restaurant is known for having some of the city’s most taste bud-tickling corned beef around. Lightly seared and hand-cut, their corned beef is served with eggs and an array of vegetables. For those who aren’t into mixing breakfast and lunch, Mona’s serves a reuben on rye made with corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.

This traditional Irish bar serves corned beef and cabbage in a wide variety of options ranging from appetizer-sized sliders to a heavy helping of the thick-cut entrée. No matter how the Irish dish is enjoyed, the Irish Rover makes sure diners walk away full each time, also providing a long list of beers to enjoy as the plate is licked clean. This year marks the pub’s Third Annual Irish Pub Drink Up. Party-goers start at Irish Rover and then board a bus in which they can drink beer while being transported to three more pubs. Don’t forget to pick up your commemorative t-shirt; the best way to recall memories of what’s sure to be a fuzzy night.

A bit off the beaten path, Mike O’Shays in Longmont is always mentioned when the topic of of Irish restaurants in Colorado arises. With high demand for its famed corn beef and cabbage, this restaurant serves hearty dishes every Wednesday during lunch and dinner. The beef brisket comes with steamed cabbage, potatoes, horseradish sauce and French bread. St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, which just so happens to line up with O’Shays’ Saturday Irish breakfast. Enjoy grilled sausage in Guinness onion gravy before heading out for the day’s festivities.

For those in South Denver, a short drive to Lansdowne Arms places the hungry customer in the Irish spirit. A large menu embraces everything from traditional Irish food to the basics of American cuisine, but one not-to-miss item is the large helping of corned beef and cabbage that go perfectly with a few of the Irish beers on tap. Other Irish fare includes fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and Irish whiskey chicken.

Throwing the downtown vibe into an Irish pub, Fado’s has a traditional yet hip environment with a menu that offers favorite dishes like wings with Irish beer BBQ sauce. Even with this fusion-influenced menu, Fado’s still offers its customers traditional favorites like shepherd’s pie and mouth-watering corned beef paired with cabbage to help anyone get in touch with his inner Irish.

Zack Christofferson is a freelance writer living in Denver. Deeply devoted to all things food and drink, Zack can be found tasting the best liquid and solid indulgences that Denver has to offer morning, afternoon and night. His work can be found here